Activists slam NYS law that criminalizes loitering for prostitution

New York State Sen. Julia Salazar speaks about decriminalizing loitering for the purpose of prostitution at a rally Monday in Foley Square. (Barry Williams for New York Daily News)

Activists and elected officials came together Monday to slam a New York state law that criminalizes loitering for the purpose of prostitution.

As about 100 activists gathered for the rally behind state senators and assembly members on the steps of Foley Square in Tribeca, Senator Julia Salazar said repealing the law — penal code 240.37 — is critical to protecting sex workers.

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"Part of a path to full decriminalization is getting rid of this deeply discriminatory charge,” said Salazar, who chairs the senate’s Women’s Health Committee and represents parts of Brooklyn and Queens.

The state senator said 94% of people arrested for the charge in Brooklyn and Queens are black women.

Cecilia Gentili, middle, a member of DecrimNY, speaks at a rally at Foley Square. (Barry Williams for New York Daily News)

“As a transgender woman who did sex work, I have experienced oppression and prejudice from the police, immigration authorities, and even social service organizations because I was trading sex,” said Cecilia Gentili, a former sex worker and undocumented immigrant.

Gentili is on the steering committee of Decrim NY, a group launched Monday to fight for “the rights and safety” of sex workers in the state.